Creating a monster

Regarding Blair's message to the media - it's been obvious for a while now that Blair hates speaking to journalists, from one-to-one interviews to press conferences. 'Subtle' hints include eye rolls, theatrical sighs and grimaces that follow any comment daring to question the legitimacy, veracity or accuracy of his latest policy/soundbite/grimmick.

His behaviour strikes me as unnecessarily arrogant; he is a public servant after all, brought to office by the people to serve the people. They have a right to know all the facts, and the self-righteous hostility aimed at journalists who dare query his decisions adds weight to the opinion that Blair thinks he is unaccountable for his actions, that he is above blame or reproach.

His latest speech does go towards illuminating his side of the story. But by relying on spin so early in his career and encouraging media attention, Blair spoke to the country directly through TV and newspapers with seemingly little or no filter. (Hey guys, I'm your friendly prime minister. No representatives, no smoke screens. Just you and me - having a chat.) So now when he underlines his responses to questions with heavy sarcasm, it feels like he's insulting the public directly. Who already harbour an intense dislike and distrust for the man. I guess the spin doctors didn't see that one coming.

Blockbuster!

Stayed up watching Comic Relief until one in the morning, way past my Friday night bedtime. Some of their appeals moved me to tears. What they manage to convey so effectively is that these people's suffering is preventable and their lives can be completely turned around by as little as five pounds a month. To us it means so little but to them it can be the difference between live and death.

Of course there were also sketches, some very good. Two that stood out involved Ricky Gervais and Tony Blair. The latter actually made me laugh out loud in spite of myself. Be amazed…

So it's Paddy's Day yet again, where people get drunker and the Gardai get richer. Not that I begrudge them of their overtime. Chances are each of them will have something very unpleasant to do today rather than just standing around looking bored and texting or calling their mates as per usual. The other day when I walked from O'Connell Street to Grafton Street I saw no less than five guards plan their nights out. Well that ain't happening today! The Ours and I were woken up at nine this morning by some pill-heads that were still celebrating from last night. They were playing Blockbuster!. I'm sure it made sense at the time...

Have a good one!